Free Eye Exams & Prescription Glasses for Students

Navidad En El Barrio, in partnership with the University of Houston College of Optometry, helps eligible students from our Christmas Program partner schools access professional vision care.

Based on available funding and program capacity, participating students may receive:

  • A professional eye examination

  • Prescription glasses when needed

  • Additional vision-care recommendations from University of Houston College of Optometry professionals

School Coordinators help identify and refer students who may have limited access to vision-care resources. Each referral is reviewed by Navidad En El Barrio before the school, parent or legal guardian, and optometry team are connected.

Why Clear Vision Matters

Clear vision can make a meaningful difference in a child’s school experience and daily life.

When students can see clearly, they may be better able to:

  • Read classroom materials and complete assignments

  • Stay focused during lessons

  • Participate safely in sports and activities

  • Build confidence at school and with friends

  • Receive support for vision concerns that may otherwise go untreated

By helping students access eye examinations and prescription glasses, we hope to remove one more barrier between children and the opportunities ahead of them.

How the Referral Process Works

1. Contact the School

Parents, guardians, or others who believe a student may need vision support should contact the student’s school and share this page with School Coordinator (a teacher, counselor, principal, nurse, or other school staff member). The School Coordinator may then contact Navidad En El Barrio to begin the process.

2. Submit the School Interest Form

The School Coordinator completes the School Vision Program Interest Form below with school and contact information only.

3. Navidad En El Barrio Follows Up

A Navidad En El Barrio Board Member will contact the School Coordinator and provide additional instructions.

4. The Referral Is Reviewed

The Navidad En El Barrio Board will review each completed referral. Approval depends on eligibility, available funding, partner capacity, school participation, and completed documentation.

5. Approved Students Are Connected

For approved referrals, Navidad En El Barrio will connect the School Coordinator, parent or legal guardian, and the University of Houston College of Optometry. Optometry professionals will determine the appropriate services, which may include an eye exam, prescription glasses, or other recommended vision care.

School Coordinators: Begin Here

Please complete the School Vision Program Interest Form below to request more information and begin the referral process.

👓 Student Success Stories

Every pair of glasses can open a clearer view of the classroom, schoolwork, and the world around a student. We are grateful to share one of our first program moments. As the vision program grows, we look forward to celebrating more students, families, schools, and community partners.

One Pair.
Bright Smile.
Big Dreams.

📣Questions?

We’d love to hear from you! Click below to request more information about this program or other ways to support Navidad En El Barrio. 

❤️ With Gratitude to Our Program Partner

This vision program would not be possible without the care, and generous support of the University of Houston College of Optometry. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their commitment to helping students receive the professional vision care they need.

Program Note: We are grateful to help connect students with vision support whenever resources and appointments are available. Participation is based on eligibility, completed forms, available funding, partner capacity, and program approval.